The evolving role of higher education teachers in the age of artificial intelligence: a scoping review

Background The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education (HE) demands clarity on its impact on teachers' professional functions, bringing opportunities and challenges that reshape traditional pedagogical roles. Objective To identify anticipated shifts in HE teachers' roles driven by growing AI integration. Methods Using PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a scoping review of 13 recent peer-reviewed articles indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection was conducted. Results Five thematic categories emerged: perceptions of AI; impacts and challenges of AI integration; anxiety and psychological factors; institutional responses and policies; and broader reviews and conceptualizations. Studies highlighted AI's benefits (e.g., improved learning efficiency, research support) alongside concerns (e.g., academic integrity, workload, job displacement, technology-related anxiety). Many emphasized the irreplaceable human dimension and a shift toward facilitation. Conclusion AI is reshaping HE teaching, underscoring the need for AI literacy, ethical-pedagogical frameworks, support for anxiety mitigation, and human-centered integration.